When you think of comforting, delicious Greek desserts, you probably imagine baklava or galaktoboureko. But today, we invite you to fall in love with a lesser-known gem: Milopitakia!
Milopitakia are adorable mini Greek apple pies, packed with sweet, spiced apple filling and wrapped in flaky pastry. These little bites are perfect for tea time, brunch tables, or as a cozy after-dinner treat. Ready to bake some magic? Let’s dive in!
What Are Milopitakia?
Milopitakia (pronounced mee-lo-pee-TA-kee-a) literally means “little apple pies” in Greek. Unlike large traditional pies, Milopitakia are small, hand-held pastries filled with an aromatic mixture of apples, cinnamon, and sugar.
They are a perfect balance of flaky and fruity making them a hit among kids and adults alike. If you love Greek desserts like Galaktoboureko or Upside-Down Apple Cake, you’ll absolutely adore Milopitakia.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make with simple ingredients
- Perfectly portioned for easy snacking
- Packed with warm spices and sweet apples
- Flaky golden crust without complicated steps
- Great for meal prep and freezing
- Fun to make with kids
- Authentic Greek flavor at home!
Ingredients for Milopitakia
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | ⅓ cup (plus extra for topping) |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (cold and cubed) |
| Greek yogurt | ¾ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Apples (peeled and diced) | 2 medium |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk (for brushing) | 2 tablespoons |
How to Make Milopitakia
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract. Knead gently into a soft dough. Cover and chill for 20 minutes.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a smaller bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside to marinate while your dough chills.
3. Shape the Pastries:
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness. Cut into circles (around 4 inches wide). Spoon a small amount of the apple filling into the center of each round.
4. Seal and Bake:
Fold over the dough to form a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with a little extra sugar.
5. Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for the Best Milopitakia
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy.
- Don’t overfill your pastries a little filling goes a long way!
- Freeze unbaked pies for a quick dessert anytime. Just bake from frozen, adding 5 more minutes.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warm spice.
Serving Suggestions
Milopitakia are perfect served warm, straight from the oven, or cooled at room temperature. They pair beautifully with:
- A cup of hot Greek coffee
- Vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of honey
Make them the centerpiece of your next brunch, or package them in little bags for a sweet homemade gift!
For more ideas, check out our collection of Easy Dessert Recipes you can whip up in no time.
Why Milopitakia Are a Must-Try
Unlike heavier, super-sweet desserts, Milopitakia deliver delicate sweetness, vibrant fruitiness, and rich tradition all in one bite. They capture the spirit of Greek hospitality simple, authentic, and full of love.
If you’re looking for a new baking project that feels comforting yet fresh, Milopitakia are the answer. Try them today and bring a little Greek sunshine to your table!
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